Collapsible roller bags

ABSTRACT

One embodiment includes a collapsible storage container including one or more rolling elements. The collapsible storage container includes one or more support arms attached to interior portions of the collapsible storage container. The support arms are configured to be placed in a first state and a second state. An extendible handle is connected to two or more pairs of connected telescoping arms that are attached to the collapsible storage container.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments relate generally to roller bags, and in particular, collapsible rolling bags with extendible handles.

BACKGROUND

Many people use bags and luggage for holding items for organization and convenience, to carry the items from one place to another. Bags including one or more sets of wheels are convenient to use as it is easier for users to pull/push a bag with wheels rather than carry the full weight of the bag and items placed in the bag.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments relate to rolling storage devices including extendible handles where the storage devices are expandable/collapsible. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a storage container including one or more rolling elements. The storage container comprises one or more support arms coupled to interior portions of the storage container. The support arms are configured to be placed in a first state and a second state. An extendible handle is coupled to two or more pairs of connected telescoping arms that are coupled to the storage container.

One embodiment provides a rolling storage system. In one embodiment, the rolling storage system comprises a storage container including one or more sets of wheels. In one embodiment, the storage container comprises: one or more support arms coupled to interior portions of the storage container. In one embodiment, the one or more support arms are configured to be placed in a support state and a non-support state. In one embodiment, the storage container includes one or more folding portions each included on a first side wall and a second side wall. In one embodiment, an extendible handle is coupled to two or more pairs of connected telescoping arms that are coupled to the storage container.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the one or more embodiments will become understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the Figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a utility storage bag shown in a collapsed state, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a utility storage bag shown in an expanding state, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a utility storage bag shown in an expanding state with a bottom support element moving into a support position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a utility storage bag shown in an expanded state with a bottom support element placed into a support position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a utility storage bag shown in an expanded state with a first support arm moving into a support position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of a utility storage bag shown in an expanded state with a first support arm placed in a support position with a second support arm moving into a support position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of a utility storage bag shown in an expanded state with a bottom support element and a first and second support arm placed into support positions, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a utility storage bag shown in an expanded state, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a support arm including a support element, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the one or more embodiments and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

The description may disclose several preferred embodiments for collapsible rolling bags with extendible handles, as well as operation and/or component parts thereof. While the following description will be described in terms of collapsible rolling bags having extendible handles for clarity and to place the one or more embodiments in context, it should be kept in mind that the teachings herein may have broad application to all types of systems, devices and applications.

One or more embodiments relate to rolling storage devices/containers including extendible handles where the storage devices are expandable/collapsible. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a storage container including one or more rolling elements. The storage container comprises one or more support arms coupled to interior portions of the storage container. The support arms are configured to be placed in a first state and a second state. An extendible handle is coupled to two or more pairs of connected telescoping arms that are coupled to the storage container.

One embodiment provides a rolling storage system that comprises a storage container including one or more sets of wheels. In one embodiment, the storage container comprises one or more support arms coupled to interior portions of the storage container. In one embodiment, the one or more support arms are configured to be placed in a support state and a non-support state. In one embodiment, one or more folding portions are each included on a first side wall and a second side wall of the storage container. In one embodiment, an extendible handle is coupled to two or more pairs of connected telescoping arms that are coupled to the storage container.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 comprising an expandable/collapsible rolling device, storage container or utility bag 130 (e.g., an open/closed tool bag, accessory bag, fishing bag, duffel bag, sports bag, equipment bag, camping bag, emergency equipment bag, document bag, luggage, etc.) shown in a collapsed or partially collapsed state according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the rolling device or utility bag 130 includes an extendible handle 110 connected to one or more pairs of telescoping arms 120 125.

In one example embodiment, the handle 110 includes extendible arms 120 and 125 that are telescoping (i.e., that fit within one another and lock or remain in an extended state when the handle is extended, and that lock or collapse within one another when the handle is compressed or closed).

In one embodiment, the utility bag 130 comprises a hinged cover, flexible case, zippered opening, locking opening, etc. for carrying desired items. In one embodiment, the utility bag 130 may be made of leather, canvas, synthetic leather, suede, synthetic suede, plastic, hardened plastic, nylon, metal, etc.

In one embodiment, the utility bag 130 includes one or more folding portions 131 that provide for a front of the utility bag 130 and the rear of the utility bag 130 to move towards one another in a collapsed state. In one embodiment, the one or more folding portions 131 comprises a seam or crease such that a first side portion 132 and a second side portion 133 may fold or collapse onto or close to one another, which provides for collapsing the utility bag 130 for storage, packaging, placing multiple collapsed utility bags 130 into a box for shipping and delivery, etc.

In one embodiment, the utility bag 130 is shown in a collapsed state with the front and rear walls separated by a collapsed utility bag state with a width 160, such as 2-6 inches. It should be noted that other widths 160 may exist for embodiments depending on the size, structure, design (e.g., external pockets, compartments, etc.) and materials used for the utility bag 130.

In one embodiment, the utility bag 130 includes rolling elements 140, such as wheels, rollers, etc. In one embodiment, the utility bag 130 includes two or more wheels 140 located on the bottom of the utility bag 130. In one embodiment, the utility bag 130 includes two wheels 140 on the rear bottom, and two stops or raised portions 150 on the front bottom. In one embodiment, the utility bag 130 may have two wheels 140 in replacement of the two stops or raised portions 150.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a utility storage bag 130 shown in an expanding state, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the handle 110 includes a release/lock button 201 that releases the telescoping arms 120, 125 from a collapsed state to an expanded state. In one embodiment, depressing the release/lock button 201 and pulling on the handle 110 locks the arms 120, 125 in an upright expanded state. When in the expanded state, pressing the release/lock button 201 and pushing down on the handle 110 collapses the telescoping arms 120 into the arms 125 (or more if more sections are used).

In one embodiment, the utility bag 130 includes one or more support arms 210 coupled to interior portions (e.g., rear wall, front wall, etc.) of the utility bag 130. In one embodiment, the one or more support arms 210 are configured to be placed in a support state and a non-support state. In one embodiment, when the support arms 210 are placed in a support state, the support arms are moved (e.g., folded out, pivoted, rotated, etc.) from a first position (e.g., against a rear/front interior wall of the utility bag 130) to a second position (e.g., against a side wall of the utility bag 130), which locks the support arms 210 against the interior front wall 220 and interior rear wall 221 of the utility bag 130.

In one embodiment, the support arms 210 include one or more support elements 905 (FIG. 9). In one embodiment, the one or more support elements may be disposed within the support arms 210 (e.g., between layers of material), attached externally to the support arms, etc. In one embodiment, the support element 905 may comprises a flat rigid object, a cylindrical rigid object, etc. In one embodiment, the support arms do not include one or more support elements 905, but instead comprise a rigid material (e.g., one or more of a metal, a metal alloy, hardened plastic, etc.) for supporting or locking the utility bag 130 in an expanded state.

In one embodiment, the support arms 210 include a hinge portion 910 (FIG. 9) that is attached to the interior of the utility bag 130. In one embodiment, the support arms 210 rotate or fold away from a front interior wall 220 or rear interior wall 221 (e.g., depending on deployment on the front 220 or rear 221 interior walls) of the utility bag 130 and prevent the utility bag 130 from collapsing when engaged with the support arms attachment portions 320 (FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the support element(s) 905 are made of one or more of a metal, a metal alloy, hardened plastic, etc.

In one embodiment, the support arms 210 are connected to the upper portion of the rear interior wall 221 next to or overlapping one another. In one embodiment, additional support arms 210 may be used. In one embodiment, the support arms 210 may have a length equal or close (e.g., slightly larger or smaller) to the depth of the utility bag 130 in an expanded state. In one embodiment, the support arms 210 may comprise telescoping arms (not shown) that adjust outward for support between the front interior wall 220 and the rear interior wall 221.

In one embodiment, the utility bag 130 is shown in an expanding state with the front and rear walls separated by a distance 260, such as 70-90% of the width of the utility bag 130.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of an example storage container or utility bag 330 shown in an expanding state with a moveable bottom or support base element 335 moving into a support position in direction of arrow 340, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the support base element 335 is positioned in an upright position against an interior wall (e.g., front interior wall 220 or rear interior wall 221) of the storage container 330 for collapsing the storage container 330. In one embodiment, the moveable support base element 335 is positioned against an interior bottom portion 336 of the storage container 330 and above bottom walls of the storage container 330 for expanding the storage container 330. In one embodiment, the support base element 335 comprises a formed wire, or tube-like element that surrounds the interior bottom perimeter and provides a rigid structural support element for the storage container 330.

In one embodiment, the support base element 335 comprises a flat support element that may include one or multiple layers surrounding a rigid material or rigid perimeter element for providing structural support when placed on or laid against the bottom of the storage container 330 and presses against the bottom and lower portions of the interior walls. In one embodiment, the support base element includes a padding material that covers a rigid structural element that provides support to maintain the storage container in an expanded state.

In one embodiment, the support arm attachment portions 320 include attachment elements for holding the support arms 210 in place when the storage container 330 is placed in an expanded state and the support arms 210 are moved into contact with the support arm attachment portions 320. In one embodiment, the support arms 210 and support arm attachment portions 320 include hook and loop fasteners for removably coupling to one another. In another embodiment, the support arms 210 and support arm attachment portions 320 removably couple to one another using magnetic elements, snap elements, zipper elements or compartments that surround both of the support arms 210 and support arm attachment portions 320, etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a storage container 330 shown in an expanded state with the support base element 335 placed into a support position against the bottom interior portion 336 of the storage container 330, according to one embodiment. As shown, the storage container 330 is now in an expanded state. In one embodiment, without deploying the support arms 210 to couple with the support arm attachment portions 320, the upper portion of the storage container 330 may exist in a structurally weakened state and the storage container 330 may not have the structural integrity as when the support arms 210 are deployed (which may cause the storage container 330 to collapse when inserting items).

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the storage container 330 shown in an expanded state with a first support arm 210 moving into a support position in direction of the arrow 540, according to one embodiment. As shown, the support arm 210 is being moved into position by rotating or folding out, and removably couples with a support arm attachment element 320 on the interior portion of a side wall of the storage container 330.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the storage container 330 shown in an expanded state with a first support arm 210 moved into a support position coupled with a support arm attachment element 320, and a second support arm 210 moving in direction of the arrow 640, according to one embodiment. The first support arm 210 is completely moved into position and is coupled with a support arm attachment element 320 on the interior portion of a side wall of the storage container 330. The second support arm 210 is being moved into position and for coupling with a support arm attachment element 320 on the interior portion of another side wall of the storage container 330.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of the storage container 330 shown in a fully expanded state with the base support element 335 and a first and second support arms 210 placed into support positions, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the hinge 910 (FIG. 9) of the support arms 210 are coupled into (e.g., sewn, heat welded, riveted, etc.) or over a seam or connecting portion 710 between the rear wall 720 and side walls 730. In one embodiment, the support arms include hook and loop fasteners for removably attaching to the rear interior wall 720 when placed in a collapsed or non-supporting state.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a utility storage bag 130 shown in a fully expanded state, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the support arms 210 and base support element 335 are fully deployed and provide structural integrity as rigid support for the upper and lower portions of the utility storage bag 130. In one embodiment, the support arms 210 and the base support element 335 force out the interior portion of the utility storage bag 130. As shown, the handle 110 is fully expanded and the utility storage bag 130 is ready for use (e.g., to insert items into the utility storage bag 130, and be pulled using the handle while the wheels 140 support rolling).

FIG. 9 illustrates a support arm 210 including a support element 905, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the support element 905 may include one or multiple support elements, such as metal rods, hardened flat plastic extensions, multiple support elements that connect to one another with shock cord (e.g., similar to tent poles), etc.

One or more embodiments provide storage containers or utility bags that are collapsible/expandable. In one embodiment, the collapsible/expandable storage containers include the support arms 210 that allow a utility storage bag 130 to include items within the bag and may remain in a semi-collapsed state, where the support arms 210 and the base support element 335 (in a perimeter structure) may be deployed around the items without having to remove the items from the utility storage bag 130. Similarly, in one embodiment, the deployed support arms 210 and the base support element 335 (in a perimeter structure) may be placed in a non-support state leaving the items in the utility storage bag 130 if desired.

One or more embodiments may be collapsed for shipping purposes, which reduces the shipping footprint of the rolling storage containers/bags and reduces shipping cost. One or more embodiments provide for reduced footprint for maintaining inventory and for stocking the products since the utility storage containers/bags may be stored/sold in a collapsed state.

In the description above, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known equivalent components and elements may be substituted in place of those described herein, and similarly, well-known equivalent techniques may be substituted in place of the particular techniques disclosed. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description.

In one example, upon employing a motion sensor, a timer regulates the time that the lighting switch is closed based on sensing motion within a predetermined distance from this sensor disposed on the lighting source 125. In one embodiment, the predetermined motion sensing distance is adjustable by a user from 1 ft.-15 ft. In another embodiment, the predetermined motion sensing distance is preset between distances of 1 ft-3 ft. In one example, the motion sensor may be turned on or off so that the lighting switch may be manually set on/off. In one embodiment, the timer may be user adjustable or preset to a particular amount of time. In one example, the timer may be adjusted from 5 seconds to 15 minutes. In another example, the timer is preset between 30 seconds and one minute. The use of the motion sensor provides lighting in the set direction of the lighting source 125 by sensing motion without a user having to manually activate the lighting switch.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the light source device 125 and a voice recorder 110 system 100 shown according to one embodiment. In one example, upon employing a light sensor, when the lighting switch is placed in an ON position, the sensor will not close the circuit unless the sensor senses that not enough light is within the proximity of the light sensor (i.e., the area is dark enough to necessitate lighting the area).

FIG. 6 illustrates a left-side view of the light source device 125 and a voice recorder 110 system 100 shown according to one embodiment. In one example, the light sensor may be positioned as desired. In one example, employing the light sensor provides energy saving when lighting the lighting source is not necessary based on available ambient light. In one example, the light sensor may be manually overridden.

In one example, the sensor may include any combination of sensors, such as motion and light sensors, position and light sensors, etc.

In one embodiment, the power source comprises rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries selected based on the number of LEDs and/or voltage required to power the lighting element. In one example, a solar charging circuit is employed to store energy in a rechargeable battery or power source. In one example, the solar charging circuit may be disposed as desired. In another example, an adapter or plug in socket may be employed with the lighting source 125 to connect to an external power source, such as a battery pack from an electric tool (e.g., electric drill, hammer, screwdriver, etc.), separate additional battery pack, an AC/DC power supply, a USB connection, a computer, etc.

In other examples, other types of light sources may be employed with lighting element, such as Electroluminescent (EL) light sources, etc. In one embodiment, the lighting source includes glow-in-the-dark material.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the light source device 125 and a voice recorder 110 system 100 shown according to one embodiment. In one example, the lighting source body may be made of one or more of: ABS, reinforced polypropylene, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, nylon material, hardened plastic, polymer, rubber, composite material, metal or metal alloy, etc., or other similar or equivalent materials.

As is known to those skilled in the art, the aforementioned example architectures described above, according to one or more embodiments, may be implemented in many ways, such as program instructions for execution by a processor, as software modules, microcode, as computer program product on computer readable media, as logic circuits, as application specific integrated circuits, as firmware, as consumer electronic devices, etc., in wireless devices, in wireless transmitters, receivers, transceivers in wireless networks, etc. Further, one or more embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment containing both hardware and software elements.

In the description above, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known equivalent components and elements may be substituted in place of those described herein, and similarly, well-known equivalent techniques may be substituted in place of the particular techniques disclosed. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description.

Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a storage container including one or more rolling elements, the storage container comprising: one or more support arms coupled to interior portions of the storage container, wherein the one or more support arms are configured to be placed in a first state and a second state; and an extendible handle coupled to two or more pairs of connected telescoping arms that are coupled to the storage container.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage container further comprises a movable support base.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the moveable support base is positioned in an upright position against an interior wall of the storage container for placing the storage container in a collapsed state.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the moveable support base is positioned in a laying position against an interior bottom portion of the storage container and above bottom portions of the storage container for placing the storage container in an expanded state.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first state comprises a collapsed state and the second state comprises an expanded state.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the one or more support arms are removably coupled to one or more support arm attachment portions that are coupled to a portion of one or more interior sidewalls of the storage container.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more support arms and the one or more support arm attachment portions are configured to removably couple using hook and loop fasteners.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the one or more support arms comprise one or more support elements coupled to the one or more support arms.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one or more support arms include a hinge portion, and the one or more support arms rotate away from a front or rear wall of the storage container and prevent the storage container from collapsing when engaged with the one or more support arm attachment portions.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the storage container comprises one of: a sporting bag, a fishing bag, a luggage container, a document holder, a duffle bag, a tool bag, and a camping bag.
 11. A rolling storage system comprising: a storage container including one or more sets of wheels, the storage container comprises: one or more support arms coupled to interior portions of the storage container, wherein the one or more support arms are configured to be placed in a support state and a non-support state; and one or more folding portions each included on a first side wall and a second side wall of the storage container; and an extendible handle coupled to two or more pairs of connected telescoping arms that are coupled to the storage container.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the storage container further comprises a movable support base, wherein the moveable support base is positioned in an upright position against an interior wall of the storage container for collapsing the storage container.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the moveable support base is positioned against an interior bottom portion of the storage container and above bottom portions of the storage container for expanding the storage container.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more support arms are removably coupled to one or more support arm attachment portions that are coupled to a portion of one or more interior sidewalls of the storage container.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the one or more support arms and the one or more support arm attachment portions are configured to removably couple using hook and loop fasteners.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more support arms comprise one or more support elements coupled to the one or more support arms.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the one or more support arms include a hinge portion, and the one or more support arms rotate away from a front or rear wall of the storage container and prevent the storage container from collapsing when engaged with the one or more support arm attachment portions.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the storage container comprises one of: a sporting bag, a fishing bag, a luggage container, a document holder, a duffle bag, a tool bag, and a camping bag.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more support elements are made of one of a metal, a metal alloy, and hardened plastic.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more support arms and the one or more support arm attachment portions are configured to removably couple using one of magnetic elements, snap elements and zipper elements. 